Research
My research is motivated by increasing our understanding of the patterns in bird diversity and the dynamics of speciation—the accumulation of biodiversity. I focus in three geographic areas: Alaska, the U.S. Great Plains, and the islands of Northern Melanesia. In each of these areas I focus on increasing our understanding of species distributions, their evolutionary history, and the interactions among closely related species or populations. My research uses a combination of collaborative fieldwork, multi-media and specimen-based methods of documentation, and genomic analyses.
I have three current areas of research, with multiple projects within each.
Evolutionary origins of tropical montane bird species
Tropical montane bird communities typically represent unique assemblages of species, and differ markedly from adjacent lowland areas. I use young avian radiations, were the confounding influence of extinction is minimized, to test hypotheses on the origins of these montane species
Genomic patterns of variation across secondary contact zones
Secondary contact zones between populations with varying levels of evolutionary divergence present ideal natural systems to study the dynamics of speciation, enforcement, and the development of incompatibilities.
Speciation in New Guinea Parrot Finches
Long considered two species, the Papuan and Blue-faced parrot finches of New Guinea are nearly identical genetically. We have few answers to the obvious questions, but are actively pursuing this interesting system.
Status and Distribution of Birds
Our understanding of the status and distribution of birds in certain geographic areas is the foundation on which much of ornithological research is based. However, this foundational information is neither complete nor static. I find it important to continue to provide to this body of work to both document the current state and to contribute this information to the field.
Geographic variation in Red-tailed Hawks
Red-tailed Hawks are one of the most geographically variable and complex bird species in North America. This variability in plumage, patterns of polymorphism, and migratory tendencies represents and ideal system in which to investigate the genomic underpinnings of these traits. This is a highly collaborative project that I’m excited to be a part of (see Links/Collaborators)
Specimen-based Research
Much of my research revolves around increasing our understanding of bird evolutionary history, secondary contact zones, and poorly known avifaunas in remote areas. In doing so, I am dedicated to the extended specimen idea in which we judiciously document these avifaunas through data-rich museum specimens that play an integral role in my research and provide a foundation for future research and questions